MH17: Couple whose three children died in plane crash welcome baby girl

All 298 people on board the plane died when it was hit by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile

The couple described the birth of Violet May Maslin as 'testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate' (DFAT)

A couple who lost their three young children when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine have a new daughter.

Anthony Maslin and Marite Norris lost Mo, Evie and Otis - aged 12, 10 and eight - along with Ms Norris's father Nick Morris, 68, when the flight came down on 17 July, 2014.

Mr and Ms Maslin were staying in Amsterdam while their children flew back to Australia with their grandfather.

All 298 people aboard the plane died when it was hit by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile.

The couple, from Perth, described the birth of Violet May Maslin as "testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate".

In a statement, distributed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, they said: "We believe that Mo, whose 14th birthday was Saturday, Evie, 12 next week, Otis, 10 next month, and grandad Nick have sent us an amazing gift.

"Violet's birth is a testament to our belief that love is stronger than hate.

"We still live with pain, but Violet, and the knowledge that all four kids are with us always, brings light to our darkness."

They added: "Violet will become part of the family, loved as much as the children and their grandfather who are no longer with them.

"We will continue to love all four of our children equally. Violet brings some hope and joy for us. We hope she brings hope and joy for you too."